Moving up one place from last year’s rankings, the MIT Steel Bridge team finished fifth nationally in the 2011 Steel Bridge contest, held at Texas A&M University May 20 and 21. The 21-foot-long steel bridges are graded according to detailed rules on construction speed, lightness, economy, efficiency and display (appearance and poster). Co-captain Emily Moberg, a senior, credited the high rank on relatively strong performances in all required categories and no major failings. “We were particularly proud of our unique double pin-connections, which were very stiff,” she said. “This helped us have an efficient bridge with respect to weight and deflection.” Read a news story.